The week's news, views and sales

There was frantic googling when the Fashion Design Council of Canada released the Toronto Fashion Week runway schedule on September 30. Many people recognized new names like Rita Liefhebber, Amanda Lew Kee and Thomas, who have all shown collections off-site in previous seasons, but who are House of Groves, Rachel Mara and Duy?

The Duy label hails from Montreal, and we've seen the singularly named designer's printed dresses at Delphic on Queen West. Mara is based in Portland, Oregon, and browsing her online lookbook (rachelmara.com) reveals feminine dresses, tailored blouses and a penchant for silk prints. House of Groves is created by TFI New Labels competition alumna Jennifer Waters.

New names aside, the show creating the most buzz is Holt Renfrew's opening-night review of designer Canadian labels. The presentation includes Lida Baday, Line, Smythe and Wings + Horns plus the first-ever appearance of Jeremy Laing's collection on the big Toronto runway.

LG Fashion Week takes place October 18 to 22 at Heritage Court (Exhibition Place). Consumer tickets to select shows are $24.99 at lgfashionweek.ca.

Swap shop

Clean out your closet this weekend and take all those what-was-I-thinking wears down to Mercer Union (1286 Bloor West, mercerunion.org) on Sunday (October 10) for the OMG SWAP!! 2. Last year, over 500 people showed up to trade forgotten but still fashionable and functional clothing and accessories. The event runs from noon until 6 pm and admission is $5. Leftover pieces are donated to Sistering (sistering.org).